Project 562

Celebrated photographer and storyteller Matika Wilbur, a member of the Swinomish and Tulalip Tribes, presents a captivating collection of photographs and narratives that joyfully depict the vibrant life and diverse cultures of Native Americans today. Through her lens, she not only celebrates contemporary Native American life but also delves into the profound challenges and issues that Native people continue to confront. Wilbur's work provides an insightful exploration of Native American experiences, offering a deeper understanding and appreciation of their rich heritage and ongoing resilience.

In 2012, Matika Wilbur embarked on an inspiring journey fueled by a Kickstarter campaign, which led her to sell all her belongings in her Seattle apartment. Her mission was to visit, connect with, and capture the essence of individuals hailing from the 562 federally recognized Native American Tribal Nations at that time. Throughout the following ten years, Wilbur traversed an astonishing distance of six hundred thousand miles, covering all fifty states—venturing from the Everglades (formerly Seminole country) to the Bering Sea (formerly Inuit territory). She diligently met, interviewed, and photographed countless Indigenous people. The resulting body of work stands as a powerful antidote to the oversimplified and outdated stereotypes often portrayed in mainstream media. Wilbur's photographs and narratives do justice to the richness, diversity, and lived experiences of Indian Country, amplifying and honoring the multifaceted realities of Native peoples.